Steve Renick — ADJ11802545

Steve Renick claimed a cumulative trauma injury (January 1, 2015 to November 1, 2018) to his lumbar spine, cervical spine, left hip, right knee, and hearing loss while employed by Cast and Crew Entertainment Services. Following a July 21, 2021 Findings and Award granting 80% permanent disability, temporary disability, a life pension, and future medical care, defendant American Zurich Insurance Company petitioned for reconsideration, arguing the PTP's report was not substantial medical evidence and that discovery was improperly closed in violation of due process. The WCJ found that the inconsistency about whether applicant returned to work did not influence Dr. Tabibian's MMI or disability opinions, and that the PTP could rely on PQME Dr. Ishkanian's exhaustive 97-page record review rather than directly reviewing every record. The WCJ also found defendant had multiple opportunities to complete discovery but failed to act diligently, including failing to schedule a re-evaluation with Dr. Ishkanian until after the DOR was filed and failing to object to the DOR. The WCAB adopted and incorporated the WCJ's Report and Opinion and denied reconsideration.